2003-2004 Grant Recipients
August 2003
New York State Librarian and Assistant Commissioner for Libraries,
Janet M. Welch, announced today that the New York State Library has awarded
$200,000 in 2003-04 State funds for 13 competitive Adult Literacy Library
Services Grants to 11 public libraries and 2 public library systems.
"The Adult Literacy Library Services Grants are vital in helping libraries fulfill their important role in ensuring that New Yorkers achieve the literacy skills they need to participate in the workforce, support their families, and be productive members of their communities," said Mrs. Welch.
The grant projects will offer library-based literacy classes and basic educational test preparation opportunities for adults through some 43 public libraries and neighborhood branches across the State. The libraries will partner with various community education and service agencies during the grant year.
These grant funds will enable adults who read below the sixth grade level, or who are learning English as a second language, to take part in library activities to improve their reading and conversation skills. This year's programs include: writing workshops, General Educational Development (GED) preparation courses, English language classes for refugees and immigrants, literacy programs focusing on job readiness and employment, reading programs for adults with learning disabilities, development of basic health literacy curriculum, tutor training, and more.
The New York State Library is part of the New York State Education Department. Please contact Anne Simon, Family Literacy Program Officer, (518) 486-2194, for more information on the Adult Literacy Library Services Grant Program. The following is a list of the public libraries and public library systems that received Adult Literacy Service Grant awards:
Brooklyn Public Library (Kings) $14,910 - The W.R.I.T.E. Workshops
Building on the Library's writing-based literacy program, the W.R.I.T.E workshops (Writing, Reading and Imagining through Thematic Engagement) will bring visiting playwrights and authors to the Library's five Learning Centers. Adults with reading levels up to 6th grade will create a play or a book of the group's writing.
Hempstead Public Library (Nassau) $15,544 - Numbers/Talk 2.
As an expansion of existing literacy programs, the Library will acquire new interactive software packages for Pre-GED and GED preparation, expand the number of GED math classes, and provide on-line preparation for the Licensed Practical Nurse exam. Conversation classes using "Ingles Sin Barreras" will be offered days and evenings. The Hispanic Civic Association, the Hispanic Counseling Center and Town of Hempstead Department of Occupational Resources are cooperating agencies.
Mohawk Valley Library System (Schenectady) $20,000 - Say Yes! To Literacy.
The System and five member libraries, Gloversville Free Library, Northville Public Library, Amsterdam Free Library, Margaret Reaney Memorial Library, and Canajoharie Library and Art Gallery and project partners: Literacy Volunteers of America-Fulton County, Literacy Volunteers of Montgomery County and Hamilton, Fulton, Montgomery BOCES will recruit students and tutors and provide tutor training. Computer access, electronic practice tests and print resources will be acquired and literacy services promoted.
Monroe County Library System (Monroe) $20,000 - ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Services.
In partnership with the six community agencies that make up the MCLS Literacy Advisory Committee, the System and its member libraries will help refugees and immigrants acquire basic English skills for speaking, reading and writing. Improved collections for the target audience, multi-cultural training for library and agency staff, and the creation of a welcoming atmosphere in the library are goals.
Montour Falls Memorial Library (Schuyler) $8,515 - Reading for a Future: Literacy and Beyond.
Literacy with a focus on job readiness and employment is the goal for this project that partners with the Schuyler County Literacy Volunteers. The Library will hire a teacher, purchase a computer-based adult literacy program, create a Tutor Resource Center and expand current programs to include GED preparation and classes on job readiness.
Oneida Public Library (Madison) $11,709 - Project Read/Ever Expanding.
Oneida Public Library with the Sherrill, Canastota, Morrisville, Hamilton Public Libraries and the Earlville Free Library in Madison and Oneida Counties will expand ESOL class offerings, adapt adult literacy services to meet the needs of adults with learning disabilities and provide tutors for adults who are participating in the Even Start program. Project partners are broadly based. Some partners are: Literacy Volunteers of America, Manpower International, Family Ties Coalition, and Learning Disabilities Association of Central New York.
Port Washington Public Library (Nassau) $8,000 - Literacy Enhancement for Developmentally Disabled Adults.
Developmentally disabled adults will have the opportunity to improve literacy skills through participation in bi-weekly book discussion groups led by a trained teacher. New books and other materials purchased for the target audience will support the discussion groups. This project partners with the Port Washington School District's Office of Educational and Community Services.
Potsdam Public Library (St. Lawrence) $20,000 - The Library's Proactive Role in Adult Literacy Partnering.
Basic literacy for adults will be the focus for participating libraries including Canton Free Library, Norwood Public Library, Hepburn Library of Norfolk as well as Potsdam. Literacy collections will be updated, tutor training established, and tutor/student matching will take place. Library advocacy will also be addressed through the project. Upon completion plans are for the project to be incorporated into the North Country Library System's continuing education program.
Queens Borough Public Library (Queens) $20,000 - ALP (Adult Learner Program) Health Literacy.
Queens Library will collaborate with the Queens Health Network and the Mayor's Office of Health Insurance Access to develop a basic health literacy curriculum for students in the Library's ESOL classes. A series of eight 12-week courses will be held in the Library's Adult Learning Centers. Course goals include: improving English language skills, learning such health-related skills as how to talk with your own or your child's doctor, and increasing awareness of sources of health information at the library and on the Internet.
Saratoga Springs Public Library (Saratoga) $14,424 - ESOL Connect @ the Library.
The Library will support the transition of non-English speaking immigrants into the community. In partnership with Literacy Volunteers of Saratoga, Inc. tutors will be recruited and trained in one-on-one tutoring skills and in use of the library. Library staff will receive sensitivity training for work with the new population. An ESOL collection to support tutor and student needs will be developed and instruction offered in a computer-based English language program.
Schenectady County Public Library (Schenectady) $12,508 - Literacy Outreach and Opportunity Project-LOOP.
SCPL together with nine branch libraries and the Mohawk Valley Library System will work to meet the literacy needs of an increasing immigrant population. The Library and Literacy Volunteers of America-Mohawk/Hudson will expand their partnership with additional recruitment and training of ESOL tutors. The Library's collection of ESOL materials will be updated and a discussion series will be developed to help the target population learn about the library's resources.
The New York Public Library, The Branch Libraries (New York) $20,000 - ESOL Instruction at the Muhlenberg Branch Library.
The Library in collaboration with the Riverside Language Program will provide instruction to ESOL students in the Chelsea community of Manhattan. Materials will be purchased to enhance student learning and library staff will introduce students to materials, technology, job information, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Warsaw Public Library (Wyoming) $14,390 - Literacy in Wyoming County Libraries.
In conjunction with Literacy Volunteers of Wyoming County, the Warsaw Public Library, Arcade Free Library, and Stevens Memorial Community Library in Attica will increase tutor recruitment and provide extended training for tutors. Library and local human service agency staff will receive training on Adult Basic Education issues and computer software. Updated literacy materials will be added to each library's collection.